Preparation the key for 2017 Canberra Running Festival

By Georgina Connery

Whether you are a lake loop jogger or a long distance lover there's a 2017 date you should put in your diary now.

The Australian Running Festival is back and will bring runners from across Australia to the capital for a weekend of fun and fitness on April 8th and 9th.

Competirors in The Canberra Times marathon in April this year.Credit:Rohan Thomson

Pacing past some of the capital's most scenic sights is enough to make the event 'bucket list worthy' but each year participants add to the event's rich history, Head of Sport at Fairfax Events, Sarah Young said.

"The Canberra Marathon is the oldest city marathon in Australia and stands as one of the feature events of the Australian Running Festival weekend," she said.

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"Canberra always provides one of the best locations in the country for running, and we're looking forward to delivering an event for the whole family."

Entrants can sign up for the 5km and 10km events held on Saturday, April 8.

Or stretch yourself.

The Half Marathon, The Canberra Times Marathon and the 50km Ultra Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 9 and take participants on a route following the parliamentary triangle, along the banks of Lake Burley Griffin to finish on East West lawns.

The 50km Ultra Marathon race is an official qualifying event for the AURA Australian Championships giving competitors the chance of selection to represent Australia at the World Ultra Marathon Championships in Doha, Qatar in late 2017.

Whether you plan to run for fun or take on a new challenge there's a pay-off to planning ahead. Early bird tickets for all events will save you $20 so get in and register before February 14.

The Canberra community can do their bit to help the festival reach its $250,000 fundraising goal.

Participants can be a 'hero' for one 250 various charities, make a one-off donation with entry or seek supporters to sponsor them.